£11,500.00
Description
Now in stock for trialling…
The Woodhead & Woodhead full double is premium quality, handcrafted UK made horn, built by Heidi and Luke Woodhead – in fact the name reflects the teamwork that has gone into designing and building the horn.
The instrument follows the principle of valves all turning with the airstream when the horn is played, rather than against it, resulting in extremely clean slurring, with no feeling of “kickback” when the valves are pressed. The acoustical taper has been designed in collaboration with John Chick at the University of Edinburgh to play in perfectly in tune throughout the range. The playing characteristics are of a medium bore instrument that plays with a free feel. There are 2 mouthpipe taper options to choose from and we make a model with 25mm valves or 27 mm valves.
On the bench
Feedback from top players has been that the high register especially feels extremely well slotted and the notes sit exactly where the player would like them to, while the F side is an absolute joy to play. The geometry of the horn has been very carefully thought through so that the horn is comfortable to hold and well balanced in the hand.
As of Spring 2025 there are 18 in existence. 3 for trialling and 15 have been bought, One is being enjoyed in local orchestras on the south coast and in the profession so far they are played by: Jim Rattigan – jazz horn player extraordinaire; Dan Curzon, freelance in most of the UKs orchestras including to date the RPO, The Philharmonia, CBSO, BBCSSO and Sydney Symphony Orchestra; Alex Wide, principal horn of the Vancouver Symphony; Stephen Craigen, principal of the Aalborg Chamber Orchestra; Alex Willett busy freelancing and trialling; Joe Ryan in the West End. Claire Marsden principal horn of the NYO.
Most recently Mark Vines Co-principal horn of the LPO is now a proud owner.
We are delighted have such amazing players taking our instruments to the next level! The waiting list is growing quickly, with another 8 players already awaiting their instrument…
Listen and watch Jim Rattigan playing it here https://youtu.be/r43a4plefLE
At the Elbphilharmonie
The bell is hand spun at our Ampthill workshop. The instrument includes a traditionally made, hand-hammered spout. Here we also bend the various tubes, make the mouthpipes and engrave the valve caps. Feel free to pay us a visit and watch us at work. With so much of the horn hand-made, customisation is of course fairly simple! The valves are top quality, German-made and miniball action is standard. As standard the horns are offered unlacquered, with screw bell, adjustable finger hook, water key and hand engraved caps.
We have excellent quality Spanish cases made by Musical-Bags in stock to accompany the horn if desired.
If you are interested in being added to the waiting list please email us and we will be happy to discuss pricing and timescales. We anticipate making 6 or so every year…
Further reading: https://british-horn.org/woodhead-woodhead-double-horn/
